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Population Review

Clare County, Michigan Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 48th-largest in Michigan

The population of Clare County, Michigan is 31,109 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 48th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $49,805, the median home value is $117,400, and the median age is 48.3.

The population of Clare County has grown 1.3% since 2010 (31,005 → 31,405), a +0.09% annualized rate.

Clare County within Michigan · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

31,109

Population

+0.09%

Annual growth

55

People / sq mi

$49,805

Median Income

$117,400

Median Home Value

Clare County covers 564 sq mi of land at 55.1 people per square mile.

About Clare County, MI

Clare County is a county in Michigan with a population of 31,109. It ranks #48 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 48.3, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.

The median household income in Clare County is $49,805, below the US median of $74,580. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $117,400, with monthly rent averaging $743. The homeownership rate of 86.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Clare County reflects 13.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.9 minutes each way.

Clare County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Clare County had a population of 31,005 in 2010 and 31,405 in 2024, a 1.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 31,405 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.09%.

2024 · 31K20102024

31,405

Population (2024)

31,005

Population (2010)

31,405

Peak (2024)

0.09%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201031,005
201131,002
201230,796
201330,598
201430,727
201530,611
201630,382
201730,553
201830,684
201930,884
202030,843
202131,143
202231,321
202331,376
202431,405

Race & Ethnicity

White94.4%
Black or African American0.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)2.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

48.3

Median Age

49.6%

Female

50.4%

Male

24.7%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.0%
5–9
5.2%
10–14
6.2%
15–19
5.4%
20–24
4.6%
25–34
10.5%
35–44
10.0%
45–54
12.0%
55–59
8.0%
60–64
8.6%
65–74
15.4%
75–84
6.8%
85+
2.5%

Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 24.7%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$49,805$-21,344 vs state
Mean household income$66,300
Per-capita income$27,619
Poverty rate15.8%+7.0% vs state
Unemployment rate4.0%
Employment-to-population42.6%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.5%
Education & health care
14.1%
Manufacturing
14.0%
Construction
9.6%
Finance & real estate
6.0%
Retail trade
4.9%
Public administration
4.4%
Information
4.3%

The largest employment sector in Clare County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.

How residents commute

0.2%

Drive alone

2.8%

Carpool

74.4%

Public transit

10.1%

Work from home

28.9 min

Avg commute

Housing

$117,400$-100,200 vs state

Median home value

$743

Median rent

86.2%

Homeownership rate

21,953

Total housing units

55.3%

Occupied

44.7%

Vacant

13.8%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

88.3%

With health insurance

89.3%

With broadband internet

13.6%

Foreign-born

9.6%

Veterans (18+)

23.6%

With a disability

94.2%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

88.2%

High School+

13.0%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Michigan

Other counties in Michigan

Part of Michigan

Metro areas in Michigan

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Clare County, Michigan has a population of 31,109 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 48th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 55 people per square mile.

The population of Clare County has grown 1.3% since 2010 (31,005 → 31,405), a +0.09% annualized rate.

The median household income in Clare County, Michigan is $49,805, with mean (average) household income of $66,300 and per-capita income of $27,619. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Clare County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (94.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.5%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Clare County, Michigan is 48.3 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.

The median home value in Clare County is $117,400 and median monthly rent is $743. 86.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 21,953 total housing units, 44.7% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Clare County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.

Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Clare County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.